Health Benefits of the Pomegranate.

The pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits and Allah the Almighty mentions this blessed creation in the Holy Qur’an,

“In them both (the Gardens of Paradise) will be fruits, and date palms and pomegranates.” 
[55:68]

Sweet pomegranate has a hot and moist temperament, meaning it is particularly beneficial in helping those who suffer from poor blood circulation / have cold hands and feet. It is also beneficial for the throat, chest, lungs and an inflamed stomach.

Overall, it is an excellent nutritive fruit which benefits the body greatly. Pomegranates are naturally rich in many vitamins and antioxidants. Sweet pomegranate juice is an excellent base for fruit smoothies made with berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries etc.)

A pomegranate concentrate (pomegranate juice with its flesh which has been cooked down until it is reduced and forms a thick paste, and then mixed with a little honey) is beneficial for treating dry, chapped lips and cold sores. This type of concentrate also helps induce bowel movement.

The high levels of antioxidants in pomegranates have been linked to improving heart conditions (by working in a similar fashion to aspirin, the juice helps in reducing the formation of harmful blood clots), reducing blood pressure, protecting against prostate and breast cancers, helping dental conditions and joint problems.

Youtube video on how to seed a Pomegranate easily;



Blue Pomegranate Smoothie Recipe.

Here is one my favourite smoothie recipes for using healthy pomegranate juice. It is dairy-free, but yogurt can be added if preferred. These smoothies are packed with Vitamins C and B.



2 cups of frozen blueberries, slightly thawed.
2 cups of frozen strawberries, slightly thawed.
3 cups of pomegranate juice.
1 tablespoon of runny honey (or caster sugar can be used).
1 sprig of mint (optional).

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

The recipe can be adjusted to make healthy lollies/popsicles for kids with the addition of 1 tablespoon of yogurt added to the ingredients before blending.

Just pour the mixture into lolly/popsicle moulds and freeze until solid (around 4 hours).

Treating Headaches and Migraines.

According to books based upon the works of Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah), headaches are generally caused by heat and fever in the head, because an accumulation of hot vapours are seeking a way out of the body. As the heat rises into the head, it causes an increase in amount of fluid in the cranium and a swelling of the membrane inside the skull. The pain can either be felt all over the head or more commonly, on one side of the head.

In comparison, Migraines are usually caused by an obstruction of a blood vessel or vessels in the brain. The vessels can be blocked by tiny air bubbles or foreign bodies carried in the bloodstream which find their way into the brain. Many people find that applying gentle pressure to the head during a migraine helps ease the pain.

The treatment for headaches and migraines depends upon their particular type and cause. Sometimes they can be treated with the induction of vomiting, by hijamah cupping, with compression head bandage or sometimes just with rest, quietness and calm.

Ruqya.

“Where they get no aching of the head nor any madness [intoxication].”

[Qur'an 56:19]

Recite the above verse an odd number of times (for example, 33) and then blow into cupped hands and wipe on the head of the patient. The headache should disappear soon in sha’Allah. Or, this verse can be recited along with Ayat ul Kursi (2:255) and Surah al Fatihah (1) on olive oil, which is then used to massage on the scalp.

Hijama.

Hijama (wet cupping) is an excellent and immediate remedy for a headache/migraine and there is a direct Sahih Hadith pertaining to the use of Hijama for this purpose;

It was narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped on his head for an ailment he was suffering from while he was in a state of Ihram. at a water place called Lahl Jamal. Ibn 'Abbas further said: "Allah's Apostle (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped on his head for unilateral headache while he was in a state of Ihram."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 602

And also;

Salmah (radhi Allahu anha), the maid-servant of the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam), said: "No one complained to the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) of a headache but he told him to get himself cupped [hijama], or of a pain in his legs but he told him to dye them with henna."
Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3849. Classed as Hasan by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).